Tag: Private party room

Beerbistro(website, Twitter)18 King Street East, Toronto ON M5C 1C4 (on the north side of King Street East, just east of Yonge Street) 416-815-7562Google Maps

Pull your socks up, Beerbistro, there are dozens of less snobby pubs within walking distance.

I’ve been to the Beerbistro at least four times since I started this blog. I took notes most visits, but I just kept going to better pubs in the meantime and I would slipped my review of Beerbistro to the bottom of my pub review notes. I recently decided that it was now or never as I hoped that my earlier meh experiences were just coincidences. The Beerbistro is loud, despite being carpeted, probably due to its high ceiling, and the pub is divided into two areas with a large bar and related seating in one part and a more formal restaurant feel in the other. The crowd is business people, understandably.

On my most recent visit to the Beerbistro, I told the greeter that I was meeting two people for dinner. After a while, I decided to check my telephone as my companions hadn’t arrived and discovered they had been turned away as they had been told that they would not be seated for at least an hour! I could see several empty tables near me and I couldn’t see reserved signs on them. I bolted down my second drink and ran across the street to the Office Pub, which was quieter and less pretentious and found my companions there.

Number of visits by yours truly: four and no more, most recently on a weekday evening in April 2017TTC information: just a minute’s walk east from King StationBooze selection: just shy of 100 beers on menu, including one cider, which is a rotating tap. They have a tasting flight (no Pimm’s)Food selection: swanky with beer pairing suggestionsService staff: on my second last visit about a year ago, we were rushed out as it was crowded and we were not encouraged to spend the evening drinking, in fact an empty glass sat on our table for a lot longer than usual and was ignored by our waitress, then see above for missed dinner with friendsPrices: expensiveToilets: needed cleaningPatio: on the west side, but very dark as between tall buildingsWheelchair accessible: not really, hallway to toilets crowded and too many high-top tables for those who might not be able to sit at themTelevisions: three over the bar showing sportsLive music: doubt itPiped-in music: Lenny Kravitz

The Two-Headed Dog (website)
1469 Gerrard Street East, Toronto ON M4L 2A1 (on the south side, between Rhodes Avenue and Craven Road, the nearest major intersection is Gerrard Street East and Coxwell Avenue) 416-461-1798Google Maps

A decent pub in Toronto’s Little India.

In keeping with the recent reviews of pubs with animal-inspired names (Thirsty Fox Pub, Crown and Dragon, and The Thirsty Duck), I decided to head back to the Two-Headed Dog pub (which doesn’t use the hyphen in its title, but it should!), which I first visited last summer while on a walk. We stopped in the then newly opened pub for a pint and we discovered that they serve butter chicken poutine, which was very good. We said to ourselves that we would return when we had a bit more time. As we were in the neighbourhood again recently, I suggest to my favourite drinking companion that we check out the pub again, which we did.

The Two-Headed Dog has a mixture of seating, with lots of four-seater booths, chairs, and benches. The walls are covered with old photographs and engravings, and it is very light with the two up-and-over doors, although the back does not offer much of a view with a parking lot. There are a lot of televisions there, but because of the placements, it was difficult to look at the screens. There is a downstairs with a pool table. This pub is owned by the same people who run the two Queen’s Head pubs, which I have yet to review.

Number of visits by yours truly: twice so far and more to come, most recently on a weekday evening in March 2017TTC information: a seven-minute bus ride south of Coxwell StationBooze selection: about 10 beers, along with Strongbow cider. (They don’t have Pimm’s.)Food selection: standard pub grub, with a few nods to the neighbours with Indian-infused dishes, such as yummy butter chicken poutineService staff: very nice, but the kitchen seemed slow with our order. (A number of online reviewers have found fault with the service. We didn’t have a problem, but both times we were there, the pub was not busy.)Prices: not badToilets: decentPatio: no, but there are up-and-over doors at the front and back of the pubWheelchair accessible: nope, as toilets downstairs and there are stairs in the pub to the upper back levelTelevisions: eight, showing either sports or CP24Live music: very likely notPiped-in music: James Brown, Bob Dylan, Bee Gees, Tragically Hip (or the radio, which was very loud)

Thirsty Fox Pub (website)
1028 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto ON M6C 2C5 (on the north side, between Old Park Road and Hilltop Road, the nearest major intersection is Eglinton Avenue West and Allen Road) 647-347-7474Google Maps

Forest Hill’s local dive.

The Thirsty Fox Pub is the only pub along Eglinton Avenue West between Bathurst Street and Dufferin Avenue and the nearest pub is a 20-minute walk east. Hence, its popularity is no shock as the pub is full of regulars (nearly all male) and does a steady business. The Thirsty Fox has been around for about seven years, but there are still traces of the Italian restaurant that was once there with the mural in the entrance and the painted baby blue walls. The Thirsty Fox also has turn of the 20th-century Art Nouveau French prints and assorted beer mirrors. The seating is a mixture of stools and chairs, with tables that can be dragged to accommodate groups.

The Thirsty Fox is not the type of place that you would take someone for a date. The tired atmosphere and dive-like quality will not reflect well on any possible noble intentions you might have. The reason that we keep going back to the pub is that it is the only nearby one to an elderly relative’s home and the food is decent. The non-private party room has a pool table, dart boards, and a big-screen television.

Number of visits by yours truly: a dozen or so, most recently on a weekday evening in February 2017TTC information: a seven-minute walk west of Eglinton West Station, the nearest bus stop westbound is the one just before the station, so you are better off walkingBooze selection:10 or so beers, no cider and no Pimm’sFood selection:burgers, pizza and decent portions, there are nightly specialsService staff: can be good, can be bad (most recently, we wait 10 minutes to place our order as our server was playing a game in the other room)Prices:reasonableToilets:not the nicestPatio:a thin one against the up-and-over door facing southWheelchair accessible: toilets downstairs, so noTelevisions: at least four including a big screen one and all showing sportsLive music: doubt itPiped-in music: The Edge radio station

I learned of The Thirsty Duck Pub a few months ago as I was speeding past it in a car. I noted down the intersection (I was a passenger) and made a mental note to return. I have been back to the pub twice so far and will likely return again. The pub has been around since the autumn of 2015 and is run by the same people who own Eastside Social, which is on the same block. The pub is apparently named after a Thirsty Duck Pub on the East Coast that the owners frequented.

The Thirsty Duck is one of the smaller pubs around, but it does have an effective layout with lots of booths and high-top tables (there are regular seats, but those are few and far between). Groups of five or more are going to have difficulty getting a spot together, however, the back room can be reserved, although it only seats about a dozen or so. The pub is decorated with paintings of Confederation and prints of long-dead monarchs on its exposed brick wall and is very dark. However, the atmosphere is great, so it comes recommended.

Note: They only accept cash or debit.

Number of visits by yours truly: twice so far and more to come, most recently on a Saturday afternoon in November 2016TTC information: a 10-minute ride eastbound from Queen Station on the Queen streetcar or take the bus from Pape Station (the 72), which will drop you after a 18-minute ride at Carlaw and QueenBooze selection: about 17 beers, along with Brickworks cider and a number of wines and whiskeys. Yes, they have Pimm’sFood selection: a limited selection with some East Coast treats, such as loosely rolled donairs (according to my better half, they are supposed to be tight). They do serve duck!Service staff: very nicePrices: decentToilets: a bit terrifying —the ladies’ toilet was whiffy; there were no locks on the doors, which meant that one of my dining companions had a visitor while she was down there; the ceilings were low; and the toilets were very cramped (yes, I know they can’t really help the latter two)Patio: nopeWheelchair accessible: nope as toilets downstairsTelevisions: four rather small onesLive music: very likely not, they do have trivia on Tuesdays in the back room, known as the Green RoomPiped-in music: The Proclaimers, Black Crowes, Cat Stevens, The Cranberries, Echo and the Bunnymen

Although Burdock does not brand itself a pub, I am going to review it as it does have a microbrewery and more beers on offer than meals on the menu. (I’m not complaining.) Burdock opened in 2015 and billed itself as a restaurant, a microbrewery with beer-to-go service, and a live venue. So far, this politician’s approach of being everything to everyone seems to be working for Burdock.

Anyway, this review is of the restaurant/pub part of Burdock as the music venue was not accessible. There is limited seating in the pub, with only one table able to accommodate more than five people, but it is a lovely space with fancy tiles, which are apparently left over from the former restaurant there, assorted hanging plants, and clean white surfaces. On a recent Saturday night, we walked by Burdock and noticed that the establishment was very crowded.

Burdock does not take reservations and opens at five, so lunch will have to be found somewhere else. However, the beer-to-shop opens at eleven.

Number of visits by yours truly: two visits so far, my most recent in November 2016 on a weekday eveningTTC information: just a three-minute walk west of Dufferin Station Booze selection: 16 beers with rotating selections of their own brews. They also have cider and wine, but no Pimm’sFood selection: fancy with a limited number of selections, but a high portion of vegetarian choices. The portions are smallService staff: nice, but a bit aloof (for my latest visit I was the only person who was not seated at the bar shortly after five and when I sat down at a table for four, I was asked how many people were joining me. I said one more, and I explained that I was leaving before seven, so I was allowed to remain. I later noticed another small group dumped their coats at a second table, but did not appear to be chastened. Perhaps I still give off that bad-girl whiff of trouble.)Prices: expensiveToilets: downstairs, nice with tiles and wallpaperPatio: east and very largeWheelchair accessible: no, toilets are downstairs and steps at the frontTelevisions: nopeLive music: every night, often two shows a night in a separate “acoustically panelled room”. Note, there could be a cover chargePiped-in music: Dido/Portishead-like music

The Prenup Pub (website, Twitter)
191 College Street, Toronto ON M5T 1P9 (on the south side, between Henry Street and Beverley Street, the nearest major intersection is University Avenue and College Street) 416-506-4040Google Maps

Being classy on College Street.

This pub used to be Molly Bloom’s, the embodiment of the student hangout. Molly Bloom’s was in dire need of an upgrade back in 2012, so I was not surprised when it was closed down shortly after my visit and became Pour Girl, which I never got around to reviewing. Then, in late 2014, Pour Girl evolved into the Prenup Pub. When I reviewed Molly Bloom’s, I was probably the oldest person in the pub by 15 years! For this visit to the Prenup Pub, it was practically the reverse. My companion and I were surrounded by lunching professors and gaggles of public service minions. I think I saw a handful of students in the two hours or so we spent there. We were there as it was the opening of the Trinity College book sale, so what better excuse than to check out a pub!

Perhaps, in an attempt to erase the lingering stains of Molly Bloom’s, the Prenup Pub has dark wood panelling, gorgeous light fixtures, and faux leather seats of various heights. The civilized atmosphere of the renovated pub confides its student dive heritage firmly to fleeting memory. Perhaps the only drawbacks are the too-small tables and the chairs which are slightly uncomfortable. The Prenup Pub is designed with different seating configurations in mind, so large groups can be accommodated (there is also a private party room available upstairs) as well as couples. There is also a replica of the famed Manneken Pis fountain that greets one as one enters and there are fountains outside as well.

Number of visits by yours truly: my first, but not my last on a weekday afternoon in October 2016TTC information: just a six-minute walk west of Queen’s Park StationBooze selection: very extensive, with approximately 130 beers including his lordship’s favourite, Leffe Brune, and several ciders, such as Rekorderlig, Cornish Gold, Strongbow, Thornbury, Somersby, and Schöfferhofer GrapefruitFood selection: limited, but fancyService staff: very friendlyPrices: expensiveToilets: nicePatio: on the street facing northWheelchair accessible: no, steps at front. The patio is also not accessibleTelevisions: none that we could seeLive music: nopePiped-in music: Mr. Bowie’s “Heroes”

The Wickson Social (website, Twitter)
5 St. Joseph Street, Toronto ON M4Y 0B6 (on the south side, between Yonge Street and St Nicholas Street, the nearest major intersection is Yonge Street and Wellesley Street) 647-748-1501Google Maps

Another jewel in the crown of Toronto’s pubs.

Opened in late 2015, the Wickson Social is part of the expanding pub empire that began with the Queen and Beaver and grew with the Oxley. The three pubs have much in common, such as a focus on the menu and an upscale approach to the pub experience, however, the Wickson Social is more modern and more international with its menu than its sister pubs. The Wickson Social has mirrors on the ceiling (which can be a bit of a shock if you aren’t use to seeing yourself — or your dining companion — from that angle), a huge picture printed on fabric of wild animals in clothing, comfy seats that will probably pay for themselves with the change found between the deep seat cushions at the end of a long night, and tall ceilings that add an air of sophistication to the rooms.

The Wickson Social was named after Frank Wickson, the Toronto-based architect who designed the century-old building where the Wickson Social is located, as well as the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church on St Clair Avenue West and the IOOF Hall at the north-west corner of Yonge Street and College Street. The pub also offers room service to the tenants in the building (so I might be moving soon).

Number of visits by yours truly: two so far, most recently on a weekend evening in September 2016TTC information: just a three-minute walk (a block north) of Wellesley StationBooze selection: approximately 25 beers with Spirit Tree, Empire Hard, and West Avenue ciders (they have Pimm’s). They also have a variety of cocktails availableFood selection: very fancy end of pub grub, fortunately they have the delicious ice cream that both the Queen and Beaver and the Oxley have. The second time we were there we were given a free mini appetizer of watermelon cubes with sea salt and mint (I think), it was yummy!Service staff: goodPrices: very expensive, with modest proportions, but worth it for the most partToilets: clean and very redPatio: yes, on the north sideWheelchair accessible: yesTelevisions: one in the party room, which called the NestLive music: very unlikely notPiped-in music: Michael Jackson, Daft Punk

“There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or inn.” Samuel Johnson

“‘Tis my intention, gentle sir, to perish in a tavern.” Unknown, 13th century

“As I never refuse a small expence for the sake of a merry companion, we instantly adjourned to a neighbouring alehouse, and, in a few moments, had a frothing tankard, and a smoaking steak spread on the table before us. It is impossible to express how much the sight of such good cheer improved my companion’s vivacity.” Oliver Goldsmith

“Alcohol makes other people less tedious, and food less bland.” Christopher Hitchens

“There cannot be good living where there is not good drinking.” Benjamin Franklin

“I suddenly realize that, of all the buildings in the world — art galleries and hospitals and libraries and good homes — pubs are the best kind of buildings.” Caitlin Moran